Resealable can shortlisted for innovation award
Can2close, a resealable beverage can, has been named as a finalist in the 2013 Beverage Innovation Awards. Judged by a panel of industry experts, can2closes’s concept was nominated in the ‘Best Closures’ category.
The resealable beverage can end is a new mechanism that replaces the standard stay-on tab opening of beverage cans with a simple mechanism that is easier to open and can be repeatedly sealed.
Whilst resealability is present on plastic bottles and other types of beverage containers, it is not yet a common feature on cans. Since the 1960s, many inventors have attempted to solve the riddle of the resealable can, but even the most-promising solutions were too technically complex or not economically viable to integrate into the internationally-standardised filling processes. The last significant change to the soda can was arguably the stay-on tab – launched in 1974 – which replaced the ring-pull and reduced litter and the risk of injury. However, can2close believes that its new concept further evolves the can and meets the needs of today’s market.
“We are extremely honored to have can2close recognised as a finalist for the Beverage Innovation Award” comments Andreas Kleiner, founder and CEO of can2close. “This recognition is the culmination of many years of development work by the can2close team.”
The patent-pending concept offers a number of advantages for the consumer, including the ability to portion canned beverages and easily transport them after the first opening. The resealable end also keeps drinks fresher, prohibits unwanted contaminants (such as wasps, cigarettes, and drugs) and reduces the risk of spilling. The plastic mechanism can be opened with one hand and is reportedly fingernail friendly, while the larger opening releases more aroma and flavour (especially important for beer) and is usable with a straw. The solution offers beverage brands a new innovation and a great branding possibility, as the shape and colour of the closure components can be customised. can2close also states that filling companies can easily integrate the resealable end into established filling processes.
“We obtained excellent feedback on our innovative solution at Drinktec and see a huge amount of demand for resealable beverage cans in the international beverage market,” Kleiner adds.
can2close received the Silver award in the Prototype category of the ‘Cans of the Year Award’ in Tokyo in September 2012 and was also nominated for the ‘German Packaging Award’ in August 2013.
